I have been considering buying a 1911 but I don't want an ordinary 1911 so I have been looking at the Wilson Combat KZ-45. I know the KZ series is a departure from the normal 1911 but I like the idea of the polymer frame. I was hoping to hear any feedback on Wilson Combat, specific or general, I want to hear some trustworthy information before I spend 1500.00 on a new .45. Please offer all your experience with Wilson as well I am open to other brands so feel free to advise the best way to get a custom 1911 in the ballpark of 1500.00. I also want to say that I appreciate the community here and I enjoy reading all the posts and exchange of information. I feel very lucky to be part of this group and I hope to contribute as often as possible.
why a polymer frame? I would go with STI frame either 2011 or 1911. wish someone made a 1911 frame closer to way steyr frames are than 2011. probably have to start changine design quite a bit if I had the cash would build a STI with full length dust cover and get the slide without the flared slide. more weight on front of the gun should make for interesting shooting less rise hopefully. not many 1911's in that style. 1911 bug is hitting me quite a bit I am looking into building a couple. not sure what parts to use myself but sorting through and working up a list.
What are going to use it for? IPSC, self defense? .........somehow spending that much money on a Wilson polymer sounds....... :? Wilson's are gorgious in metal....I like the STI advice better......if you really want polymer and think you can shoot a Wilson better then a Kimber...... :wink: I'd save money and buy a Kimber.....my brother has the Kimber polymer/stainless and it shoots easily one inch groups from ten yards with ease.....I like the firing pin safety better on the Kimber......but its not an STI.......that's classy 8)
Why not check out the Les Baer Monolith. It has a full length dust cover and can be bought with a extra heavy option. You can also get it I believe in a 6" model. To REALLY squezze out the performance there is the 1 1/2" guarentee at 50 yards model!
For a defensive handgun, you can't go wrong with a Wilson 1911 in any of their formats . The KZ is an excellent polymer frame variant that has a grip virtually identical to the single stack.
Hi, EmesiS, If you have around $1,500 to spend on a 1911, you should look at the Smith & Wesson Performance Center 1911. I just got one in satin stainless finish. The MSRP on these is around $2,100, but I got mine NIB from http://www.budsgunshop.com for $1,462. This is a totally awesome piece. The slide and frame are hand fitted. The trigger is amazing. It's as crisp and precise as the cliched glass rod breaking. As much as I like my Steyr M9A1, the trigger pull on the Steyr feels like paddling through oatmeal compared with the trigger pull on the PC1911. Some purists don't like the Smith & Wesson 1911s because of their external extractors. Based on the superb reliability of my M9A1, the external extractor was one of the reasons why I got the PC1911 instead of some other make. So far, my PC1911 has been 100% reliable and deadly accurate. Here's a review of the PC1911 http://www.gunsandammomag.com/ga_handguns/peak_011805/ Good luck,
Hi Emesis, I second the motion tglahn17 suggestion. S&W PC 1911 is a superbly made gun by the performance center people at SW. I I have the money that you have, there's no doubt in my mind I will get the PC 1911. I've read a number of postings about it in the SW forum and I believe they're honestly written. Being a 1911 guy myself, I know that the performance center has a very good reputation in building excellent handguns the PC 1911 is no exception. Good Luck Nixon
Want a polymer 45? Get an HK Tactical from CDNN for $890. I did, and I have to say I've been impressed: Plus, it was a good excuse to get a suppressor! :lol:
Whoa, Awesome shooting flyandscuba. I recall you have an absolute arsenal of P7s. It appears that HKs agree with you. Later,
flyandscuba, did u shoot that with the suppressor ? I wonder how far was your target ? also wondering if the model w/o the suppressor will shoot that way ? very nice shooting. Please reply nixon
nixon, That target was from my first range session with the Tactical 45 -- before I had purchased the suppressor. I was shooting at the Bass Pro range in Davie, FL -- standing -- slow fire -- at 10 yards. I've used the suppressor only to experience what it sounded like -- and for functionality with the pistols -- not yet for accuracy. Next time I take it to the range, I'll see if the suppressor installed affects the accuracy.
Check with Becky at http://www.sportingarms.com I believe that around $1600 will get you the Monolith. I have my eyes on the Premier II with 1 1/2" option around $1700. About $1350 with the standard 3" at 50yard model. A LOT of gun for the money!
Thanks for all the feedback; I am now rethinking my choices and re-examining my motivation for wanting a 1911. I realized I had wanted the KZ-45 because it didn't use the 'Single Stack' magazine. I had made up my mind that I needed a greater magazine capacity than the single stack offered but when I considered why I really wanted a 1911 I remembered its long and legendary service history. After looking at some of the tradtional, single stack 1911's I realized that anything other than the traditional single stack config is a variation from the legendary, near perfect design. I have a Winchester Model 94 that has been in my family since it was new about 85 years ago and is in perfect working order, and in my opinion far surperior to the Model 94's being sold all over these days. I decided I wanted a 1911 that could offer the same legacy. While I would like to buy a Wilson Combat single stack they exceed my budget a bit so I have really been looking hard the the STI models. I have come the the opinion that I can confidently buy from any of the gunmakers listed in the above posts and get a pistol that will last a lifetime. I appreciate all the information and I hope to hear more advice and experiences. Thanks
Another option -- is to consider a Para Ordnance Hi-Cap 1911-style pistol. I picked up one recently for less than $650 -- a P14.45 Limited. It's only gone to the range with me one time -- but it performed well:
nice Para for less than $650 you did well. my only gripe with doublestack 1911's is price of mags. around $50 a piece though can find some cheaper depends on the doublestack setup 2-3 different ones. 1911 parts list Barrel Barrel Bushing Barrel Link Barrel Link Pin Disconnector Ejector Ejector Pin Extractor Firing Pin Firing Pin Spring Firing Pin Stop Grip Bushings Grip Screws Grip Safety Grips Guide Rod Guide Rod Plug Hammer Hammer Link Pin Hammer Pin Hammer Strut Magazine Catch Lock Magazine Catch Spring Magazine Catch/Release Mainspring Mainspring Cap Mainspring Cap Pin Mainspring Housing Mainspring Housing Pin Mainspring Plunger Detent Plunger Spring Plunger Tube Recoil Spring Sear Sear Pin Sear Spring Slide Stop Thumb Safety Trigger 41 different parts add 8 for 4 grip screws 4 and bushings pistol with nothing but the best parts will run around $1600 Wilson Combat or Ed Brown parts. maybe some EGW,STI and certainly some others.
You might also look at a SIG GSR Revolution....An American assembled collection of some pretty fine components. Lots of finishes including Nitron; great trigger and designed to be something pretty close to the customs........MSRP around 1050.....can be bought for 850-900. I'm VERY happy with mine.
